proxy

In law, a person authorized to stand in another's place; also the document conferring this right. The term usually refers to voting at meetings, but marriages by proxy are possible.

In company law a proxy is a document authorizing a person to vote in place of a shareholder at a meeting. Proxies are also used in bankruptcy proceedings. They are allowed in convocation and in US political conventions. In Britain members of the armed forces and people unable to go to the poll because of their occupation may appoint a proxy. Marriage by proxy is possible in some countries and was historically important in arranged marriages. It cannot take place in Britain, although the courts will recognize such a marriage if it is recognized by the law of the country in which the marriage was celebrated.